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As the cold weather is approaching with the autumn, we all need some additional ways to entertain our kids indoors.
You can never be wrong with classical family movies – they are fun for the entire family.
I have assembled a list of some of the most amusing and edifying films, feature films as well as animated, some classics and some newer flicks of different family-friendly genres. Hope it will enrich your watchlist!
Best Family Movies
Age rating 5+
Monsters, Inc. (2001)
Monsters, Inc. is among the best films that will play for your team when you want to teach your children how to be compassionate and avoid prejudices. It also a story of untypical friendships. Monsters University, released in 2013, also came out as a buzzworthy film.
Ponyo (2008)
It is good to show your kids films from different cultures from their earliest age to help them understand the world around them better and create a bigger picture. You can start with Hayao Miyazaki’s witty film Ponyo, which is a unique take on the well-known fairy tale about the Little Mermaid.
Toy Story (1995)
You could never guess this film was made more than 20 years ago – it still looks very fresh and its narrative is time-proof.
It will probably boost your children’s imagination while it might come with a ton of nostalgia for you.
Mulan (1998)
Just like all the best of Disney’s films, Mulan cannot be summarized in a single subject either. It is a timeless story of bravery, sacrifice, breaking the limits, love, family, injustice, heroism. It is particularly inspiring for all the little dreamers who know they will do big one day.
Age rating 6+
Up (2009)
Another brilliant film coming from Disney and Pixar, Up is an Oscar-awarded jewel of modern animation.
Its story is an uplifting one indeed and it revolves around universal inter-generational understanding. Oh, and it’s a perfect adventure abundant with humor!
The Wizard of Oz (1939) (parents say 5+)
Yeah, this one is really, really old but it is still really, really great. I couldn’t imagine what would my childhood look like if I haven’t seen it. There is something hypnotizing in the Yellow Brick Road, Dorothy’s slippers and her surreal friends. I’ve recently found a great DVD pack with both The Wizard of Oz and Tin Man.
Paddington (2014) (parents say 7+)
Made in the spirit of British literary classics for children, Paddington is still a modern story of the coexistence of man and nature or people of different personalities and backgrounds. You can count on a humorous adventure, and you can complete your film marathon with the recently released Paddington 2.
Inside Out (2015) (parents say 8+)
Coming from Disney and Pixar lab of magic, Inside Out is already becoming a classic. It is a universal story of our emotions that appeals both to children (especially those who have just started to understand their own feelings) and their parents. If we exclude Frozen, Disney hasn’t had such a good run in years.
Age rating 7+ and above
E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982) – age rating 7+ (parents say 8+)
Still one of the best films Spielberg has ever made, E.T. continues to enchant the audiences for decades, without losing any of its qualities. Telling the story of a friendship capable of going through any barrier, it will probably remain on family DVD shelves in the following decades as well.
Hugo (2011) – age rating 8+ (parents say 9+)
Directed by Martin Scorsese, who doesn’t usually make so family friendly films, Hugo is a retro fairy tale relying on cinema history. It is as adventurist as it is informative, and so far, many parents have claimed this was the film that made their children fall in love with the film art.
Harry Potter Series – age rating 8+ to 12+ depending on the film
Based on terrific books, all the eight films (available in a convenient bundle) come with their own unique layers of meaning revolving around friendships, falling in love, growing up. Also understanding the eternal fight between the good and evil and Magic, of course!
Home Alone Series – age rating 10+ (parents say 8+)
I could never decide which one of the first three original Home Alone movies is my favorite. Each of them is a splendid family-friendly comedy, made in the Christmas spirit, with a magical ending to warm your heart.
You can purchase all three of them in a special pack, and good luck picking your favorite one!
I know there are so many other amazing films that haven’t made it on the list but if I would continue, I think I would go for days.
I am always happy to expand our family watch-list, and I hope you will share some of your favorite films in the comments below!
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